STAFFORDSHIRE ANCESTRY RESEARCH SERVICES

SUE GILL
Professional Researcher for Staffordshire Family History & Genealogy

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1: I have only one or two names and rough dates - can you trace my Staffordshire family tree?
Q2: What information should I send you?
Q3: Where will you go to find information?
Q4: Can I make more than one request at once?
Q5: What happens if I don't get the results that I hope for?

I have only one or two names and rough dates - can you trace my family tree?

It is often possible to get results from minimal information - perhaps stories passed down through the family, or a birth certificate. I have traced the ancestry of one family back to the 1760s - from just the name of a grandfather and an address that he had written on a scrap of paper.

If you have no definite dates or places, we might start by looking at a more recent generation where you are certain that the information is correct. We will then work systematically back in time, with supporting evidence along the way.

Top of page

What information should I send you?

Tell me what you definitely know, what you think you know, and what you would like to know!

I will work logically, step by step, trying to solve the puzzle, backed up with supporting evidence. Reduce your research time by giving me:

  1. full details of definite facts about your family, e.g. names, occupations, dates and places of christening, birth, marriage, death and burial. You may choose to include a family tree chart.
  2. details of the documents where you found your information (if possible with reference numbers), e.g. IGI, wills, census returns, birth, marriage and death certificates
  3. copies of entries, e.g. certificates, census households
  4. details of family myths & legends - there is often some truth in them!
  5. details of all records you have already searched with ‘negative’ results. If you do not tell me that you have looked at a particular record, then I may look at that same record again, duplicating time and effort - I want to keep your costs to a minimum!
Top of page

Where will you go to find information?

I live in central Staffordshire, and have good access to record offices and libraries. The main Record Office is at Stafford, nearby. As I specialize in one county, I provide a personal comprehensive research service, ensuring continuity. I will also visit cemeteries, churches, church yards, and other locations within Staffordshire.

Top of page

May I make more than one request at once?

Yes, you can. I may choose to carry out the work in a different order to that listed, to be more cost effective for you. However, if you have a specific preference, please state it clearly on the form.

Please be aware that I might reach your cost or time limit before completing all the requests.

Top of page

What happens if I don't get the results that I hoped for?

I will make every effort to find as much information as possible, tracing your ancestry with as much enthusiasm as if it was my own. Sometimes, however, even a lengthy search will produce no positive findings at all - I cannot provide positive results if the entries are not there! On these occasions you should console yourself with knowing that at least those sources shouldn’t have to be searched again! All searches, whether positive or negative, must be paid for.

Top of page

Please browse round my Website for further details of my Research Services...

Home  My skills  Services & Costs  How to pay  OrderForms  Links

Mrs Sue Gill, BSc(Hons), Cert. Loc. Hist. (Keele)
Email: stars@launchpoint.demon.co.uk

 

© Copyright. Page created 27 Oct 2001; updated January 2008